The Provincial Patter - pglrossandcromarty.org.uk · Provincial Patter The Quarterly Newsletter of the Province of Ross and Cromarty Issue No 93 November 2017

2017

Issue Number 93 – November 2017

The Provincial Patter

Provincial Patter The Quarterly Newsletter of the Province of Ross and Cromarty

Issue No 93 November 2017

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Editorial

Welcome to the 93rd edition of the Patter.

Hopefully, as this edition goes to print, I’ll be on board a

flight to Heathrow to attend the 300th Anniversary

Celebrations of the United Grand Lodge of England.

However, neither the publication deadline nor indeed

British Airways timings can be guaranteed!

The programme for the celebrations looks as if it will be a

most memorable and enjoyable event.

On the Sunday night the Scottish and Irish guests will be

attending a dinner in the Stafford Hotel which will be

hosted by the Pro Grand Master, Bro Peter Geoffrey

Lowndes.

On the Monday morning the Grand Master, Brother HRH

the Duke of Kent will welcome all visiting Grand Masters

with the rest of us looking on. In the evening, we will be

attending a Reception in the Mansion House hosted by the

Lord Mayor of London.

On Tuesday afternoon, the official Tercentenary

Celebration will take place in the Royal Albert Hall

followed by Dinner at the Battersea Evolution.

Meanwhile, the ladies will be taken to Grand Lodge where

the celebrations will be streamed live from the Royal

Albert Hall and they will dine in the evening at the

Connaught Rooms.

During the past two or three years there have been many

similar celebrations throughout Scotland with our own

Lodges celebrating 250, 300 and 400th anniversaries. Two

of those 250th anniversaries have been in our own

Province.

What other organisations can boast such a history and

heritage. Our numbers may not be as large as they have

been in the past, but I have no doubt that Lodges who have

been in existence for so long will continue to display the

tenacity to continue to fly the flag of Freemasonry for

many years to come.

Ramsay McGhee, Editor

Grand Lodge of Scotland

Just after the last issue of the Patter was

published, the Grand Master Mason chaired the

bi-annual meeting of Provincial Grand Masters in

Perth. As usual, there was an excellent turn-out

and a wide and diverse range of topics were

discussed.

Grand Committee met on 7th September

following which I was privileged to represent

Grand Lodge at the 200th Anniversary

celebrations of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch

celebrations at which the Grand Master Mason

was involved as Past First Grand Principal.

On 30th October I headed a Deputation to Lodge

Carron 139 where we celebrated their 250th

Anniversary and on 6th October I had the

privilege of addressing the Past Masters of Lodge

Cadder Argyll at their annual Past Masters

Dinner.

On 29th October I will be in the Grand Master

Masons party travelling to London for the 300th

Anniversary of UGLE.

When we return, I will be attending a Dinner at

Lodge St John in Edinburgh and then

accompanying the Grand Master Mason to the

250th Anniversary of Lodge Eskdale on 11th

November and Lodge St Marnock on 25th

November.

That takes us to the Grand Lodge Installation

which falls on St Andrew’s Day this year. I will

finish my three-year term as Depute Grand

Master at the Installation but will be

accompanying the Grand Master to Washington

at the beginning of December. A very nice way

to finish three tremendous years.

Ed

Cover Picture: Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter



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Provincial Grand Lodge:

Hi Brethren

The busy season just starting with Installations and regular lodge meetings.

The Province of Ross and Cromarty had a very interesting presentation from PPGM Ramsay McGhee

on his visit to mountain view school for deaf children in Malawi, held in Lodge Seaforth on Sat 14

Oct with a finger buffet laid on afterwards. It was a very worthwhile night - just a pity there was not

more in attendance (only 17in total turned up).

We also had our Divine service on Sunday 22nd Oct at 3pm. Held in Lodge Ness Invergordon

Conducted by Rev Ivan Warwick, a great turnout of 30 masons and family a very interesting sermon

from Ivan and well received by all and a cup of tea and a chat afterwards. Thanks to all who attended

both events.

A trip to Grand Lodge meeting is on the cards on Thursday 26th Oct to see what is coming up on the

business front.

The next Provincial communication meeting is on Friday the 3rd Nov in Lodge Rosehaugh in Avoch

at 8 pm. All master masons very welcome please come along and support YOUR Provincial Grand

Lodge

I hope to be at as many Installations as I can, and I thank Raymond my Depute for covering for me at

Loch Ewe Installation.

Brethren, enjoy your Masonic season and put what you can into it - you will reap the rewards later

Kind regards and fraternal greetings

Robin Cattanach.

Provincial Grand Master

To All New Freemasons in the Province

The Substitute Provincial Grand Master, Brother Barrie Whitwell, is keen to converse with all

Brethren who have joined the Craft in the past two years to build up an understanding of what

prompted you to join the Craft. Please contact Barrie on [email protected]

It is hoped that initial contact will lead to an annual event for new Brethren in the Province.

mailto:[email protected]



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From the Provincial Almoner

Sadly, once again I must commence my report by recording the passing to the Grand Lodge Above

of well-loved brethren.

Shortly after the publication of the last edition of the newsletter Lodge Fingal lost Bro Donnie

Chisholm. Although not a regular attender at the Lodge in recent times he had been a highly

respected brother and regular attender in the past along with his late brother Hugh. Both had been

pipers of some renown.

Last week Past Master John Patience, Lodge Rosehaugh lost his long battle with cancer. He could

go about and drive until very recently. John was a great supporter of his Lodge and in years gone

by a regular visitor at Lodges within the Province. He was an excellent ritualist and on many

occasions, gave lectures on various topics of freemasonry. John’s funeral will be held on Thursday

2nd November at 11.30am within the Church of Scotland, Avoch.

Both brethren will be greatly missed by the members of their respective Lodges and the wider

masonic circle. Cards have been sent to both families conveying the condolences of the Provincial

Grand Master and Brethren of the Province.

Past Master Angus Ross, Lodge Ness is currently in Raigmore Hospital where he had his lower left

leg amputated. He is always in good form and very positive when I visit him.

Past Master Donnie Sutherland, Lodge Seaforth recently had a fall on the street and sustained facial

and head injuries. He is recovering well.

Past Master, Victor Shepherd, Robertson’s Lodge, recently had a spell in Raigmore Hospital and

is now out. Since his release from hospital he has been resident at Urray House Care Home, Muir

of Ord. His wife, Jessie, asked that people did not visit him for a week or two until he got used to

his new surroundings.

Bro Dougie MacDougall, Lodge Fingal is still resident in Redwoods Care Home, Alness. He is

much the same as he has been but is always in good form when I visit but sometimes a bit confused.

Past Master Fraser MacKay, Lodge St. Duthus is still in care in Invergordon and not making much

progress. He may shortly be moving to new care facilities in Tain.

Bro David Bennett, Lodge Alan Wilson is not well and receiving treatment for cancer.

Past Master Colin Thomson, Lodge Ness, has recently been having treatment and awaits surgery.

Colin was at the recent Provincial Grand Lodge Divine Service in Invergordon and was in good

form there.

Bro Norman MacKillop, Lodge Fingal does not keep very good health and is not very well at

present. He hasn’t been allowed to drive lately.

Bro Colin MacPhee, Lodge Fingal who does not keep very good health is also not very well at

present.

I have visited brethren at home and in hospital where possible and cards have been sent as

appropriate conveying the good wishes of the Provincial Grand Master and brethren of the

Province.

If any brother requires my assistance or knows of any brother who does please get in touch with

me.

David A. MacMaster, PM

Provincial Grand Almoner



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FROM THE LODGES

Lodge St Duthus No 82

.

Brethren

As this is the quiet period there is not a lot to tell.

I received an email from the Provincial Grand secretary about a family in South Africa who were

doing some research on their family tree. After doing some research myself, looking back through

some of the old Petition Books, I managed to find their ancestors. They were MacKenzie’s from the

Fearn area. It was good to be able to assist in their enquiries.

The first meeting of this 2017 / 18 session was the Nomination and Election of Office-bearers for the

coming year. All went well, and I’m pleased to report that Brother James Morrison will once again

lead the Lodge as its Master.

It was with regret at that meeting that we acknowledged the passing of Past Master Tom Anderson.

Our Treasurer, PM Dan Patience, presented the eulogy highlighting all that Tom had achieved in his

Masonic career. After the eulogy, the Brethren present stood in silent tribute.

There will be no Christmas party this year, but we will have a party in the New Year. Full details

will be published in due course.

The ongoing saga over water rates with Business Stream is still very much to the fore. We have had

a decision from the Ombudsman who found in favour of Business Stream on two points and found

in favour of Lodge St Duthus on a third point. We were disappointed with the decision and intend to

appeal it as they are now claiming a sum more than £5000. We earnestly hope that this matter can be

resolved sooner rather than later.

We are encouraged by the fact that Grand Lodge have now written to the Government on the general

issue of water rates – let’s hope that their letter will have some effect.

That’s all for now.

Iain Sinclair, PM

Secretary



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FORTROSE LODGE No. 108

After the excellent celebrations in Stornoway for the 250th anniversary of the Lodge, things are now

getting back to some form of normality, but, courtesy of Rod Huckbody I've attached a couple more

pictures that didn't make it into the last edition of the Patter.

Most of the brethren who attended the rededication ceremony in the school should be in this picture

Left to Right - RW Provincial

Grand Master, Bro Robin

Cattanach, MW Grand

Master Mason, Bro Charles

Iain Wolrige Gordon, Derek

Mackay RWM and RW

Deputy Grand Master,

Ramsay McGhee looking

rightfully pleased with

themselves after the

rededication ceremony:



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During the celebrations several raffles were held and over £1600 was raised. The money has been

donated to a number of local charities. The local charities that have received cheques were: Alzheimer’s

Western Isles, Stramash Community Services, Macmillan Nurses Western Isles, Lewis Retirement

Centre, RNLI, Bethesda Hospice, Western Isles Kidney Patients Association, CRY, Action for

Children. There will also be a donation to the funds for the Macleod and Macintyre families in Barra

who were victims of the Manchester suicide bombing.

Most of the recipients are pictured here after having received their cheques:

In September we did an exemplification MM Degree with Bro Angus Allison, Lodge St Andrew

Ardersier as the candidate. Bro Allison had recently completed his MM degree in his Mother Lodge

and, as he lives in Stornoway, was delighted to act as candidate. We have had lectures on the Master

and the Aprons and in October undertook two EA degrees on Donald J Macaulay and George H

Morrison who are both sons of Brethren of 108. RWM Derek Mackay gave a faultless explanation of

the first tracing board during the initiation of Bro Morrison and completed the degree (which will be

his last as RWM) with another faultless rendition of the final charge.

On 3rd October 15 Brethren attended the Provincial Visit in St Clements and witnessed an excellent

EA Degree by RWM Innes Morrison and his team and sampled the renowned Harris Hospitality.

Bro John Robertson, Jeweller and son of our SD, had a successful kidney and pancreas transplant in

August and is recuperating well. We look forward to welcoming back to the Lodge soon.

The AGM of the Lodge will on Friday 3rd November and preparatory night on 17th November. St

Johns' will be on Friday 1st December.



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Robertson’s Lodge No 134

Like most lodges we are now into 2017/18 session and have held our September and October meetings.

The September meeting was a Business meeting to plan our year ahead. Prior to the meeting I had an e mail

from a Brother Gary Duff from Lodge Galashiels, No262, who said he was working in the area and could he

visit our lodge. I said it would be our pleasure and met him on the night. He was duly tested and joined our

meeting. It may have been a bit boring for him as it was only our lodge business we discussed. It was

however, his first visit to us and he showed great interest in our building and artefacts. In true ‘134’ tradition

we even gave him an office which he performed in an excellent manner. At the end of the meeting he passed

on the fraternal greetings both of his lodge and his Province.

If you are reading this Gary, it was a pleasure to meet you and our pleasure to have you and we look forward

to seeing you again.

One of our own Brethren who had been working abroad for some years but had kept in touch has now moved

back to Cromarty and was in attendance. He is Brother Peter Ratcliffe. Peter welcome back and it was good

to see you back among us.

At the October meeting we worked a 2nd degree with Brother Ratcliffe as a stand in candidate. We had visitors

from sister lodges in our Province, but once again I received an e-mail via Provincial Grand Secretary from

a Brother Stuart Thomson, from the English constitution whose original Lodge was in Australia. His

memberships consist of Australia – Lodge Trinitarian No. 978 (ULG NSW and ACT). English Constitution,

Apollo University Lodge No.357 (Oxfordshire), Old Reptonian Lodge No. 3725 and Christ’s Hospital Lodge

No. 2650, London. He is living at present in Cromarty and asked if he could visit us. He did and RWM

welcomed him and all the visitors and passed fraternal greetings. Once again Brother Thomson showed great

interest in our property and contents and hoped to be back among us again. This was his first visit to a Scottish

Lodge. Before the close of the meeting he returned fraternal greetings both from the English Constitution

and from Australia.

Stuart if you read this, it was great to have you and we hope to see you again.

Brethren I think this shows what visiting is all about and what helps keep small lodges going, always

remembering if you want visitors you have to be prepared to visit also.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 15 November 2017 at 7.45 p.m. This will be our A.G.M. and

nomination of office bearers, but visitors will be made most welcome

.

It should be noted that PM Victor Shepherd has now transferred to Urray House Care Home, Muir of Ord.

After time to settle in I know he would welcome visitors.

James A Tait, Secretary



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Lodge Fingal No 318

After the summer recess the Lodge had its first regular meeting on Tuesday 10th October 2017at which

there was a total of 26 Brethren present. This included visiting Brethren who were made most welcome.

A special welcome was given to the Substitute PGM of Ross and Cromarty, Brother Barry Whitwell.

The main business of the evening was a talk on “First Degree Symbolism” given by Brother Rory

MacKenzie PM. This was a most excellent presentation. It was very evident that a considerable amount

of work and research had been made into the subject matter which was received most warmly by those

present. Many points were learnt along with a better understanding of the “First Degree” tracing board.

On conclusion it was felt by those present that such a talk would be of great benefit to those newly

initiated into freemasonry. PM MacKenzie being thanked by the RWM.

The Lodge also had the honour and privilege of presenting a “Jubilee Certificate”, (having been over

50 years in the craft), to Brother John Alexander Thompson PM. John who is an Honorary Member of

Lodge Fingal, was initiated into Lodge Stepps No1213 on 14th January 1965, and became Master in

1970/71. John who is well known throughout the province was presented with his certificate by

Substitute Provincial Grand Master Brother Barry Whitwell. The SPGM spoke highly of John's

commitment to freemasonry and congratulated him on his achievement. This being reiterated by the

RWM.



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The Lodge was thereafter closed and the brethren retired to the Logie Lounge for a short

harmony.

Colin Mackintosh

RWM

November meeting: 14th. Will be our annual A.G.M. and nomination of Office Bearers.

December meeting: 12th. To be a Mock 1st Degree.

Special meeting: On Saturday 30th December, [note change of date from Provincial Calendar]

where it will be the Re-Installation for RWM Bro. Colin Mackintosh and Office Bearers at 6:30pm.

With the Festival of St. John, in the Logie Lounge, to follow.

January meeting: 9th. Hopefully to be a 1st Degree.

As we approach the Festive Season, on behalf of the RWM and Brethren of the Lodge, may we wish

all Brethren, Wives, Partners and Families a very happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New

Year ahead.

That`s all Folks, watch this Space.

D. Gunn PM

Secretary.

The small boy turned as if to go,

Then said “Thanks lady, I’m glad to know.

That sure did sound like an awful fight

But your son – did he come back alright?”

A tear rolled down each faded cheek;

She shook her head, but didn’t speak.

I slink away in a sort of shame

And if you were me, you’d have done the same;

For our thanks, in giving, is oft delayed,

Though our freedom was bought, and thousands paid.

And so, when we see a Poppy worn,

Let us reflect on the burden borne

By those who gave their very all

When asked to answer their country’s call

That we at home in peace might live.

Then wear a Poppy! Remember – and give.

Don Crawford



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Lodge Allan Wilson No 851

The Lodge, at the time of its Reponing, received two Past Masters Jewels – in fact the first two Past

Masters Jewels dating from 1898 and 1901. Since the Reponing Ceremony in 2008, those two jewels

have been used by the Immediate Past Master but the ribbons (original) were showing signs of wear

and tear so it was decided to have them refurbished.

I took them down to Victoria regalia where Bill Batten carried out the necessary repairs. When I went

to collect them, Bill stated that he would get them out of the safe. I wondered why they were in the

safe – just a couple of old PM’s jewels. It was then that Bill explained that it would take somewhere

in the region of £3,500 to replace each jewel. I was amazed – I had been wandering round Edinburgh

with £7k’s worth of jewel in my pocket.

The jewels are now in a safe back here in Ross-shire and, given that we now have a new supply of

PM’s jewels, the original ones will go on display at each meeting and thereafter disappear back into

a safe again.

WRM - Substitute Master 851



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Lodge Seaforth 854

The Re-Installation of Brother Fred Fraser as Master of Lodge Seaforth will take place at 3.00 pm on

Saturday 9th December 2017 in the Masonic Hall, Station Square, Fortrose. All are welcome to attend.

The Regular Meeting on Monday 18th December will, after the business has been concluded, take the

form of a Service of Nine Lessons and Carols to which wives, family, neighbours, friends, work

colleagues are all cordially invited to attend. The service will be followed by mulled wine, Christmas

pies and shortbread.

This service has become something of a tradition in Lodge Seaforth and is a lovely pre-Christmas

celebration of the Nativity to which we really welcome everyone. The Master, Brother Fraser will be

delighted to welcome Brethren from all the Lodges in the Province and indeed the neighbouring

Provinces to this Christmas Celebration.

Officer fitness Reports – a selection of remarks noted on assessment reports –

1 I would not breed from this Officer

2 His men will follow him anywhere, but only out of curiosity

3 He would be out of his depth in a car park puddle

4 He has delusions of adequacy

5 Since my last report he has reached rock bottom, and has started to dig

6 He sets low personal standards, then consistently fails to achieve them

7 This man is depriving a village somewhere of an idiot



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Lodge Averon No 866

Hi Brethren

Lodge Averon 866 are back at work on Oct 13th with our usual business meeting and updates of things

going on and what we are planning to do this season.

We were very busy during the closed season with all sorts of events to raise funds for the lodge and for

our chosen local group whom we supported over the last year - The Anne Noble Highland Dance Group.

We held our final event for them with our annual charity Golf scramble on 22nd Oct raising £1160. This

was a fantastic day with a near full house on the golf course.

We also hosted a visit from Lodge Stormont who did us the honour of carrying out a most excellent 2nd

degree and some great singing after words.

We now move into our new season with a 2nd of our own on the 27th and then a visit from Lodge Hozier

on Sat 29th, Tyle at 3pm. All visiting brethren are most welcome.

Bro Donnie Mathieson

The Master, George Robinson, presenting a cheque to the Anne Noble Dance Group



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Lodge Ness No 888

The close season was uneventful, apart from two very successful barbeques, which boosted lodge

funds, and gave us the opportunity to meet some of our neighbours. Our first meeting of the season

was a business meeting to lay plans for the forthcoming year. We performed a second degree for

Brother James Morton at the next meeting, which went very well, and we had a surprisingly good

turnout. Brother James is the son of our Chief Steward, Brother Sam Morton We intend to do his

MM Degree on Tuesday 14th November, hopefully with some of the younger lodge members

participating in the floorwork. All are invited.

On the horizon (12th December), I will be standing down, and we are installing Brother James Gregg

into the chair of King Solomon, with Brother George Robinson of Lodge Averon leading the

installation team. Jimmy took 36 years to progress from Entered Apprentice to Fellowcraft, but he

has risen rapidly through the ranks since then. If any of you don’t know Jimmy, which I doubt, he is

the Brother with the box of sweeties, which he hands out at every meeting he goes to. Jimmy is

universally liked, and everyone I have spoken to is delighted that he is going into the chair, and I

would ask that you put that date in your diaries.

Derek Rodway

RWM Lodge Ness 888

Blast from the Past – November 2007

I received the following article from PM Roy MacIver who brought it home with him from Newfoundland. It

should teach every one of us a salutary lesson as to why we are in the Craft -

A salesman breaks down in a remote country lane. A farmer in the adjacent park comes over and they discover

that they are “Brothers”. The salesman is concerned as he has an important appointment in the local town. “Don’t

worry” says the farmer, “you can use my car, I will call a friend and get the car repaired whilst you are at your

appointment”. Off goes the salesman and a couple of hours later he returns but unfortunately the car is awaiting

a part that won’t arrive until the morning. “It’s not a problem,” says the farmer, “use my phone and reschedule

your first appointment tomorrow, stay with us tonight and I’ll see that the car is done first thing!” The farmers’

wife prepares a wonderful meal and they share a glass of fine single malt during an excellent evening. The

salesman sleeps soundly and when he awakes his car is repaired and ready to go. After a full breakfast, the

salesman thanks them both for their hospitality. As he and the farmer walk to his car he turns and asks, “my

Brother, thank you so much but I must ask, did you help me because I’m a Mason?” “No” replied the farmer, “I

helped you because I am a Mason.”



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LODGE KYLE No 1117

We will be holding our Installation Meeting on 11 December 2017 at 8pm - All Welcome (Date to be

confirmed at Nov Meeting - see Website at www.lodgekyle.co.uk for latest news), Bro. Rob Wilson

will be Re-Installed into the Chair. His first year as RWM has been superb and we look forward to

2018 with renewed vigour.

Using Facebook for Social Media

Facebook was made for Freemasonry. It is FREE and is an easy to use method bringing together like-

minded people for discussion or propagating the wholesome message of Freemasonry.

You can go one of two ways: a) Private Group or b) Public.

The Classifications are self-explanatory but require a little clarification.

PRIVATE GROUP: First an administrator who is already a member of Facebook needs to be chosen

and it is he who sets up the GROUP. Here is the procedure: - 1) Find "Add Group" From your "home

page" on Facebook go to the Groups section on the left side menu & find "Add Group". 2) Click

"Create New Group" 3) Name Your Group 4) Add Members. 5) Choose Privacy Setting (Private). 6)

Click Create. 7) Choose an Icon. 8) Fill in the "About" Section. Once you have completed the steps

anyone you deem fit to join apply for membership by clicking on the Group Name or by being invited

by the Administrator or "Admin". New "Admins" can be designated if the old Admin retires.

PUBLIC: This needs no set up ... you simply post your Masonic activities (within the rules of

Freemasonry) for all your friends and any interested parties to see on your regular timeline or "wall".

The two methods serve useful purposes: Private allows for the whole group to share information to

which non-masons should not be privy. On the other hand, spreading the benefits of Freemasonry for

garnering New Members really needs to be operated at the Public level.

The downside of setting up Groups willy-nilly is splintering ... that is having too many groups all with

their own agendas. Potential members don’t know which group to join or join multiple groups and get

fed up with the constant interruptions on their timeline.

Or the opposite: one group for the whole of the UK, where the needs of the many can outweigh the

needs of the few.

As with most things in life, a happy medium should be the goal. In Scotland for (a good) example we

already have the group "Highland Masonic News" with 1250 regular members. This is a PRIVATE

or CLOSED Group.

For a regular public poster on Facebook you could try the inimitable Raffaele Storino, A Chilean

Freemason who currently lives in Lima, Peru. He posts regularly and takes a modern approach to

Freemasonry.

I hope this article raises more questions than it answers - such is the consequence of our technology-

laden, modern world.

Ronnie Miller, PM

Secretary

http://www.lodgekyle.co.uk/



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LODGE ROSEHAUGH No 1216

The Lodge restarted after the summer recess in October with our AGM and the nominations of Office

Bearers. Not too good an attendance but it turned out to be a constructive meeting with some positive

outlook for the coming session.

It was also confirmed that Grand Lodge will be in attendance for our centenary celebration on

Saturday 2nd May 2020.

Our November meeting will be held on Friday 3rd November with an earlier start of 7.30pm. This will

be a short business meeting along with an Obituary for Bro John Patience PM Lodge Rosehaugh No

1216. Thereafter PGL Of Ross and Cromarty will hold their Quarterly Communication. We trust this

will be an interesting evening for all Brethren.

Our Installation meeting will be held on 1st December with Bro Gary Munro WSW taking over as

RWM. Trust we can have a good turnout of 1216 members for this important evening in Gary’s

masonic career.

This will take us into 2018 and our January meeting is scheduled as normal for second Friday of

month being the 12th.

Keith Patience, PM

Summary of Remaining Installations in the Province

6th November Lodge St Duthus Tain

21st November Lodge St Martin Ullapool

1st December Lodge Fortrose Stornoway

1st December Lodge Rosehaugh Avoch

9th December Lodge Seaforth Fortrose

11th December Lodge Kyle Kyle of Lochalsh

12th December Lodge Ness Invergordon

16th December Lodge Averon Alness

20th December Robertson’s Lodge Cromarty

30th December Lodge Fingal Dingwall

12th June 2018 Lodge Allan Wilson Fortrose



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Lodge St Martin 1217

The Brethren of the Lodge are back fund-raising on Friday 3rd November when they will be selling

mulled wine at the Ullapool village bonfire, hopefully the forecast will be good (cold) to assist

sales!!

The lodge will be holding its re-Installation Meeting on Tuesday 21st November 2017 with the

Lodge tyling at 19.30hrs for general business and the installation starting at 20.00hrs. Past Master

Mike Turner will be the Installing Master for the ceremonial with the reigning Master Bro Mike

Peterson taking the Chair for his second term.

The brethren will be back fund-raising on Wednesday 20th December when the brethren will be

involved with the Ullapool Santa Float, with all proceeds going back to the children of the village

and surrounding areas.

Charles MacAulay, PM

Secretary



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Lodge Loch Ewe No 1551

We are truly saddened to hear of the passing of Bro. John (Jackie) Patience PM of Lodge Rosehaugh

No 1216. The expression ‘Fountain of Knowledge / Wisdom’ immediately springs to mind when

thinking of Bro John and his many, many all too interesting lectures and anecdotes related in the lodge

at Avoch over a lifetime of devotion to the Craft – and his beautiful singing attributes which graced our

gatherings. The first Friday of the winter months will never be quite the same again.

On resumption of the season on 14th September it can honestly be said that there is never a dull moment

on the road from Dingwall / Strathpeffer to Aultbea.

Over the last 15 to 20 years when, from Easter Ross, PM Gibby Hassell and I first affiliated to the lodge

to be supplemented by full membership of WJW Richard MacDonald and a further affiliation by WSW

Ally Gault we were, in another ‘first’, entertained by the antics, in the early autumnal evening glow, of

a pair of otters on top of the road who according to Bro ‘Attenborough’ Gault were diving off in opposite

directions following a difference of opinion at the family abode. This recent sighting following badger

encounters at Kinlochewe and Jamestown one evening a few years ago certainly augments the harvest

of scenes which, over the years, include the ‘other lodge’ of black-bearded fellows at Dundonnell and

resident roadside ewes chewing the cud not to mention the innumerable herds of deer which keep us

alert en route to the lodge!

We’ve also had more than the usual numbers of displays of vibrant cascading waterfalls in the last

couple of months which should give an added bite to the excellently brewed beer at nearby Ardessie.

The October meeting has seen the re - installation of Brother Michael G Longley and his office-bearers

for a second term expeditiously executed by GLoSDGM and PPGMoR&C Bro Ramsay McGhee

(RWIM) and his team of Bro. Morris Downie (WISW), Bro. Alasdair Taylor (WIJW), Bro. Ian

MacLaren (Tools) and Bro. Mike Turner (BIIG) with Mike doing the honours for the lodge brethren

resuming office. Nice to see a good cross-section of brethren from throughout the Province in

attendance including a car load from Lodge Fingal No.318 making the 140+ mile round trip.

The retiring company of around twenty repaired for harmony to the Aultbea hotel for a very welcome

serving of piping hot fish chowder and sandwiches served by Robin and his staff. The raffle did not

disappoint either!

The lodge tie takes account of the close association the area has had with refuelling activities during

hostilities at sea like the Russian convoys of WW2 and this will be meticulously observed on Armistice

Sunday 12th November with the lodge laying a wreath as part of the Aultbea ceremony.

During the remaining winter months, it will be a return to the Ritual for lodge brethren in preparation

for the PGL visit in early April 2018.

In conclusion the RWM and Office-bearers of Lodge Loch Ewe wish all brethren and their families a

peaceful and enjoyable forthcoming Christmas period 2017 and a very Happy New Year and Masonic

season in 2018.

Andrew Miller Henderson IPM. Lodge Loch Ewe No. 1551.



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Bits and Pieces

TOBAGO KILWINNING No. 1643

A little bit of history was made recently when three young "Elias" fellow crafts were raised to Master

Mason in Tobago, all on the one night.

In the centre of the picture is the RWN Bro. Charles Elias flanked on the right by his blood brother,

Bro. Michael Anthony Elias, the IPM of the Lodge. The other senior Elias in the Lodge is the secretary

of many years Bro Thomas R. Elias, not in the picture.

The Lodge meets in Lambeau Road near Scarborough on the 3rd Saturday of every month.

The Brethren from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Ross and Cromarty visited Tobago Kilwinning last

year and met up with most of the brethren pictured and had a most enjoyable time in brotherly, spirit

enjoying a wonderful week-end there.

Morris M Downie, Proxy District Grand Master

O, Lord who blessed the loaves and fishes,

Look down upon those porcelain dishes

And if the potatoes are very small

Lord make them plenty for us all.

Should we decide to quench our thirst

With “Famous Grouse” or “Fifty First”

Lord, make us all that little wiser

And save us from the breathalyser

Another of the late Brother

Roddy Cade’s famous Graces



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Wee bit of fun from Andy Henderson -

1) Message left in a vet's waiting room: Gone to lunch - sit, stay!

2) Seen outside a garage: Worn tyres kill. Get yours here.

3) Notice outside a butcher's shop: Buy our pies - you won't get better.

4) On a fortune teller's cabin: Closed due to unforeseen circumstances.

5) On a draper's shop window: Annual Sale. Don't go anywhere else and get cheated - come in here.

6) Advert for a gent’s outfitter seen in a local paper: Wonderful sale. We have great bargains in men’s

shirts for men with 16 or 17 necks.

7) Notice on a travel agent's door in Athens: Come to us and we will tell you where to go.

8) Notice on a restaurant window in the Highlands: Tuesday - fried chicken, Wednesday - pork chops,

Thursday - senior citizens, Friday - roast beef.

9) Spotted on a wine list in a 'posh' restaurant in Switzerland: Our wines leave you nothing to hope

for.

10) In a cocktail lounge: Ladies are requested not to have children in the bar.

11) Sign on a road just outside Tokyo: When this sign is underwater, this road is impassable.

The Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland

PROVINCIAL GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER of R&C

For the information of the companions I'm noting below the visitation dates for the next season of

meetings.

Chapter Visit

Tain & Ross 63 13 February 2018

St Clement 244 27 April 2018

Cromarty Firth 310 07 March 2018

Hebrides 364 16 May 2018

Hebrides Lodge & Council 17 May 2018

AGM in Hebrides Chapter, on Friday 18th May 2018.

Donnie Macleod

Tain & Ross RAC 63

The next meeting of the Chapter will be on Tuesday 14th November 2017.

St Clement RAC 244

The next meeting of the Chapter will be on Friday 24th November2017.

Cromarty Firth RAC 310

The next meeting of the Chapter will be on Wednesday 1st November 2017.



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The Hebrides RAC 364.

The installations of the Chapter, RAM Lodge and Lodge & Council were carried out on 10th & 17th

October when the existing office bearers were returned to office.

The next RA meeting will be on Tuesday 14th November and RAM & Lodge & Council on Tuesday

21st November.

PRECEPTORY OF THE WESTERN ISLES

DGP Andrew Morrison will be visiting us on Saturday 28th October to carry out the re-installation of

VP Donald Macdonald and his officers. This muster will start at 5.30pm and we're looking forward to

an enjoyable pilgrims' fayre and a convivial harmony to follow.

On Friday 13th October 10 Fratres from The Preceptory of the Western Isles joined up with other Fratres

from the District Grand Priory of The North in Scotland to make up the largest deputation (other than

the Fratres from SE Scotland) to attend a special muster in Roslyn Chapel to remember 13th October

1307 when Philip the Fair arrested all the Knights Templar in France and tortured them in to admitting

acts of heresy before eventually burning them all at the stake.

The District Grand Priory of South East Scotland were our hosts and we enjoyed an excellent meal in

the Lodge in Roslyn before the muster. We were disappointed when we were informed after the dinner

that the custodian of the chapel had ruled earlier in day that we weren't to wear our regalia when in the

chapel.

This picture is me attempting a selfie at the apprentice pillar in Roslyn Chapel with John Steven and

Alan McPhee at my back.



Page | 21

GUILD LODGES

Highland Guild Lodge

The next meeting of the Highland Guild Lodge will be the Installation Meeting on Friday 9th February in the

Masonic Hall, Alness

Alasdair Taylor

Kirkswarden/Scrivener

Highland Guild Lodge

Blast from the Past – November 2007 – Jim’s words as true today as they were 10 years ago - To all who are not in the best of health now, please be assured that you are in the thoughts of all throughout

the Province and we wish you well. I thank all who have been in touch with me to keep Provincial in touch

with what is going on.

It makes you realise just how important communication is. I made comment to Ramsay McGhee recently

about not knowing about a certain event and he quickly pointed out that it had been well reported on in the

“Patter” and I then realised that it was me who had not taken the time to read it. How many other aspects of

our Craft do I not take time to?

I notice in my own Lodge and in others and in other Orders a decline in attendance and I realise how easy it

is to say, “I won’t manage to go to the Meeting tonight’’ or I am too busy or there will be plenty there, or

there will always be someone else to do my bit or whatever else needs done. It is so easy to get out of the

habit and I know that the Mason’s Calendar today with all the different orders could mean being out every

night and often during the day as well now, but remember why you joined the Craft. Hopefully it was not

just for a title but also for what you as an individual could contribute. It seems to be getting harder to get

Office-bearers to fill posts and maybe we are at fault for scaring them away by trying to push too early, but if

as a new member you feel it is beyond you just look at who has managed to do it before you and be confident

that you can do it as well. If your confidence is lacking, you can overcome it by regular attendance and visits.

It is the only way to bring it all together.

So instead of saying I have something else to do tonight remember that being accepted into Freemasonry is

one of the most prestigious organisations you are ever likely to be accepted into. The Craft does not only

need your dues it needs you. Let us all try to give a bit more to an organisation we should be proud of. Honest,

when you get into it, it is better than a night in front of the ‘Telly’ and you can meet people, improve your

social skills, your memory and your self-esteem. Be all you can be.

To all who have been absent of late do not be shy about coming back amongst us you will be made most

welcome and you will help in the continual promotion of an organisation to be proud of. And remember

don’t be like me and only read selective bits of the ‘’Patter’’ (Honest Ramsay I won’t do it again). Remember

the hard work that goes into the compiling and printing of it.

Having stirred my own guilty conscience, I hope I have given others food for thought.

With every best wish to all

Jim Tait Provincial Grand Almoner

Documents

The Provincial Patter - pglrossandcromarty.org.uk · Provincial Patter The Quarterly Newsletter of the Province of Ross and Cromarty Issue No 93 November 2017